Allahabad High Court Orders Security for Haseen Khan
Allahabad High Court Orders Security for Haseen Khan
The Allahabad High Court has ordered round-the-clock armed security for Haseen Khan, following allegations of police interference during his religious practices. This ruling comes after an incident on January 16, 2026, when Khan was reportedly stopped from offering Namaz inside his private residence.
In a significant directive, the court mandated that two armed guards accompany Khan wherever he goes until further orders. Justice Atul Sreedharan emphasized, “Any incident of violence that afflicts him or his property shall be prima facie understood to have occurred at the instance of the State.” This statement underscores the court’s commitment to protecting individual rights and holding authorities accountable.
The controversy originated from a petition filed by Tarik Khan, who sought permission for religious gatherings during Ramadan. The court ruled that no prior state permission is required for such gatherings within private property, provided they do not extend onto public roads or spaces. This ruling aligns with constitutional religious freedoms, which the court has highlighted as essential.
Haseen Khan has alleged that he was detained by police while praying at home with his family. He further claimed that he was coerced into signing a document he could not read due to his illiteracy. The court had previously issued contempt notices to Bareilly District Magistrate Avinash Singh and Senior Superintendent of Police Anurag Arya for their roles in interfering with prayer activities.
The court has summoned both officials to appear in person on March 23, 2026, for a hearing regarding this matter. The court indicated that failure to appear could result in non-bailable warrants being issued against them. This upcoming hearing is crucial as it will determine the next steps in the ongoing legal proceedings.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific measures that will be implemented for Khan’s security. However, the court’s emphasis on protecting constitutional rights suggests a broader commitment to ensuring that individuals can practice their religion without fear of state interference.
As the situation develops, observers are keenly awaiting the court’s final orders on March 23, 2026, at 2:00 PM. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the enforcement of religious freedoms in Uttar Pradesh and beyond.
